inRegister's At Your Service - May 2024

AT YOUR SERVICE

In this special section, you’ll meet professionals with the passion, experience, and creativity to make your home or business a reflection of you. Whether you’re building, renovating or decorating, make sure you choose the right people to bring your visions to reality.

Owner

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Duplessis Builders stands out for its dedication to crafting custom gunite pools that seamlessly blend beauty, durability and functionality. Our projects integrate unique water features, personalized designs, and cutting-edge technology for efciency and sustainability. Each one is a collaboration, ensuring the pool refects the client’s vision and lifestyle.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

My passion comes from bringing people’s dreams to life and getting to do what I love. Every pool shows my commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer satisfaction, and with each project, I gain valuable experience and knowledge. Our customers’ happiness fuels our passion; their dreams become our projects, and their satisfaction is our greatest reward.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Te most rewarding aspect of my work is the time I can spend with my family and the closeness that comes from working with some of my best friends and family. I also love seeing the work come to life and the smiles on my clients’ faces.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We recently bought a storefront and we’re excited to fnish the renovations and open it to the public. We are also working on a lot of commercial jobs currently and I’m excited to share them with the public soon.

Derek Duplessis

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HOW WAS YOUR COMPANY FOUNDED?

It was founded in 1999 by Lenny Johnson and Gary Dowdy Sr. as Ascension Ready Mix. Lenny and Gary’s focus was to put customer satisfaction, relationships, and the quality of their concrete ahead of profts. After Gary’s passing, the company merged with Quality Concrete Group, LLC, creating Quality Concrete, An Ascension Ready Mix Company. Te company continues to focus on family values and customer satisfaction.

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

We serve multiple industries, including commercial, residential, industrial and municipal. We pride ourselves on using the most advanced technology and newest equipment on the market. Every year we invest a large portion of our revenue into the business to help make it run as smoothly and efciently as possible for our customers.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Our passion comes from knowing we help contribute to building our community—whether it be pouring the concrete for a new home, upgrading state infrastructure on highways or new commercial buildings throughout Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Tis has led to receiving multiple awards for producer excellence and product quality.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We are currently working with the state and local contractors on the College Drive fyover, Pecue on exit ramps, and the I-10 expansion toward the new bridge. Once completed, this should help improve trafc fow through our city.

Te Quality Concrete Team

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

JR Construction isn’t only focused on building concrete foundations and framing for residential and commercial properties; their real specialization is building relationships. “What makes JR Construction unique is that we provide a turnkey service,” says Managing Partner Jack Pou. “We have the labor, the materials, and established relationships with local vendors.”

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

JR Construction Solutions is owned and operated by local builders Jack Pou and Ryan Engquist. With more than 40 years of combined experience in construction services, Jack and Ryan ensure quality workmanship with attention to detail. Te skilled construction managers and ofce staf partner with the most price competitive suppliers to deliver a streamlined service founded on premium craftsmanship at an exceptional value.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Pou and his operations manager make it a priority for the JR team to get involved in community projects. Tey’ve donated and installed a handicapped ramp for Kids Orchestra and supported the St. Jude Dream Day Foundation. Tey have also participated in the 2022 and 2023 American Heart Association Walk and the SwollFest Fishing Rodeo which supports OLOL Children’s Hospital. Pou believes in building a strong company culture; he rewards his team for their hard work by taking them on group fshing and hunting trips.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

JR Construction prides itself on having experienced managers physically on the job site communicating with the general contractor and skilled craftsmen, not just checking in from a remote location. To better allow for this communication onsite, Pou holds a monthly Spanish class, teaching employees how to communicate efectively with their labor force, many of whom are Hispanic, and most of whom they have been working with for over eight years.

Te JR Construction Team

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HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

I started working in the industry in high school, eventually taking a job with a trim carpenter in my fnal year of college at Louisiana State University in 1997.

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

I think it’s the fact that I’ve spent 25 years gaining experience in the feld and honing my craftsmanship skills.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

My commitment to new innovation and a love for transforming spaces continues to elevate lifestyles. I believe my thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship shows in the quality of my work.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I enjoy bringing my thoughts and ideas to life, which keeps my motivation alive. Te mindset of being creative by nature has led me to appreciate the fnal end product.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

I’d like to be able to give my customers more modern and contemporary projects with more modern materials.

Owner Andy Beadle

HOW CLUTTER AFFECTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Martha Carol Stewart, Owner of Chaos Organizing

THREE SIMPLE SOLUTIONS TO TRANSFORM

NOT ONLY YOUR LIVING SPACE, BUT YOUR MENTAL SPACE AS WELL

Your home should be a place you love; somewhere that brings you peace from the chaos on the other side of the door. If you are only greeted with the overwhelming sense of negative emotions instead, try this.

• DISTRACTED AT HOME.

You want to focus on doing one task, but see the clutter from the corner of your eye, calling for your attention… Next thing you know you’re cleaning up instead of doing the task you wanted to do.

DO THIS: Set a task timer for 15-30 minutes. Stay focused on your task during this time. When the time is up, set it again to focus on your next task or to finish the one at hand.

• ANXIOUS AT HOME.

Clutter can make you feel like you’ve lost control of your home because you’ve “let things get away from you,” and now there’s this huge pile of things out of place. It would have been easier to sort through a few items here and there over time, but now you have one giant pile haunting you.

DO THIS: Sort the clutter by the room/area it belongs in. Next, use the timer method for each room until the items are put in their homes. Establishing routines can help you maintain these spaces.

• COMPARISON AT HOME.

Do you often criticize yourself and think, “I should be more organized?” That’s guilt talking. Not everyone is born with the organizing gift or taught the skill of organizing so you can’t expect to magically be organized without first developing the skill.

DO THIS: Start with one small space or 1 skill that will benefit you immediately. Clearing the kitchen counter of clutter every night or creating a space for the items you need to find every day to leave for work (Handbag, keys) can make a huge impact.

If you feel like your clutter has been afecting your mental health, let’s have a conversation.

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WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Our top priority is to transform the process of purchasing windows and doors for your home or business into an honest and enjoyable experience. Our commitment to providing top-notch products, coupled with our team of skilled installers, guarantees a rewarding and satisfying result for every home or business.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE

BUSINESS?

After fve years of relentless search, I fnally stumbled upon a franchise concept that caught my eye—Wallaby Windows. Tanks to a friend’s recommendation, I was introduced to their exceptional products and the impressive values of their company. Without hesitation, I knew I had to bring this franchise to Baton Rouge.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

We are passionate about serving others. Our dedicated team wakes up each day with enthusiasm to serve our community. It brings us great joy to fulfll tangible needs with genuine care, and we feel honored to be entrusted by our valued customers.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Bringing to life the client’s vision of their home or business. Windows and doors are often the frst thing people see; our goal is to make them something a homeowner is proud of.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We hope to continue our dedication to serving our community and look forward to contributing to future projects that enhance the beauty of our beloved Capital City.

Owner Brandon Denley

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Our company has been serving the south Louisiana community for over 40 years, and our team of specialized, internationally certifed arborists provide comprehensive evaluations of your tree care needs. With detailed customer communication, we guarantee there will be no unaddressed worries once we meet with you.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

My fascination with the outdoors started in childhood as I grew up playing in my south Baton Rouge neighborhood. When I got to LSU, I realized I could make a career in natural sciences. My undergrad degree was in Horticulture and then I earned my master’s in Agronomy.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Te best part of my job is helping people preserve the live oaks they’ve watched grow alongside their families. I’m passionate about aiding in the longevity of a tree that was here before me and, with our help, will hopefully be around long after I am gone.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

It would have to be our team of outstanding employees. We strive to take care of our own, just as we do our customers. It’s an honor to see our veteran employees share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of professionals all within our own company.

ARE

THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

Bayou’s number one priority continues to be preserving the mature trees and live oaks in our area. We are proud to be working on the live oaks in and around the LSU Lakes and teaming up with a national ecoscience entity to combat the Ball Moss issue in the area.

Lee Rouse

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

I believe we provide a high-quality service experience and practice efective communication. Having an active agency allows us to provide answers and solutions for our customers. In a world where customer service seems to be forgotten, we prioritize it.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

Four years of education and playing football at the University of Michigan provided me with unique career opportunities. After moving home, I met with Brian Meaux, and he explained what it meant to be a State Farm agent. I was sold!

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I am passionate about making a diference in people’s lives, whether it is our customers or our team. I love coaching, mentoring, and being able to provide a platform for my team to succeed in business and in life.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

We take pride in serving our customers, so being able to meet their insurance needs is extremely rewarding. I love providing a fun, fulflling experience for my team—not just

a job. It is motivating to see personal and professional growth for each individual in our ofce.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

My wife and I had our frst child in August, so right now I am learning to be a good parent. It has been an awesome life-changing experience. I’m striving to be an exceptional leader and to positively impact my family while being a great infuence in our community.

Drew Dileo SCAN

REMODELING AN OLDER HOME

Kristina Petit, Owner & Designer at Kristina’s Collective Interiors

HOW TO TACKLE THE CHALLENGES OF REMODELING AN OLDER HOME

At KCI, our passion lies in updating historic homes, and preserving their charm while seamlessly integrating modern functionality that works with the modern family’s lifestyle and aesthetic sensibilities.

Acknowledging the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing modern living, we’ve developed a few key points for navigating the complexities of remodeling older homes.

Our recommendation is to maintain the integrity of the home’s interior architectural elements, staying true to the era and architectural style of the home. These historical details not only provide context but also serve as the cornerstone of the home’s character and allure, ensuring a cohesive design scheme throughout.

We recommend using more creative freedom in selecting decorative elements such as paint palettes, rugs, lighting fixtures, and décor. This approach allows homeowners to infuse their personal style and aesthetic preferences into the space, ensuring that modern updates seamlessly complement the home’s historical framework and the individuals who inhabit it.

If you need help making your older home not only more beautiful but more functional for your lifestyle, Kristina’s Collective Interiors is here to act as your guide to make a challenging process seamless and your home beautiful and timeless for years to come.

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

We pay attention to detail and create personal touches so that our designs are a refection of our clients. We carry a wide selection of items that have been hand-selected—furniture, art, wallpaper, home accessories, fabrics and gifts. We search for unique items, and we highlight local artists and small businesses. One of the best compliments is to hear someone say, “Your home looks just like YOU!” No two designs should be the same. I don’t have Pinterest or follow other businesses … I want my own creativity to come through.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I love providing people with “livable luxury” and creating spaces where families can thrive without sacrifcing style or comfort. I’m dedicated to crafting homes that enrich my clients’ lifestyles. I also think it’s important to remember that you don’t have to wait until your kids are grown to enjoy your home. Life is too short for that.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Undoubtedly, the relationships I cultivate with clients. It’s important to build meaningful partnerships based on trust, mutual respect, and understanding. Being a part of the client’s journey is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for my work.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

You know that old saying about the cobbler whose children have no shoes? Well, I have the skills and I’m ready to do my dream house, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. In the future, I’d like to streamline my processes, create a more user-friendly website, move toward a one-stop shop, and eventually have more family time.

Owner and Interior Designer

Jill Cascio Boullion

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Planet Plant It is a locally owned landscape construction company with a reputation for quality, trust and clear communication. Our “hands on” approach is consistent across all projects, from a garden home landscape installation to a large, multi-phase commercial landscape. We pride ourselves on doing things right the first time and we guarantee our work and materials. We have dependable on-site management and we help our clients make the best decisions with their vision, budget and time frame in mind.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

We work with a team of professionals, including two of our sons, to create beautiful outdoor spaces, bringing the client’s vision to life. We are committed to quality and we go above and beyond to make sure each job meets the highest standards.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Building beautiful relationships in this people business. Working together with our sons, solving problems, and delighting in new client friendships make the long, hot summer days worth it. We are proud that our work positively impacts families by providing green spaces where children can play and friends and family can gather.

Te Birdsong Family

TINTED SHOWER GLASS

Erin Henley, President of Big River Glass Inc.

ENHANCE YOUR BATHROOM’S AESTHETIC APPEAL WITH TINTED GLASS

Selecting shower glass for your bathroom is about finding the perfect balance between functionality, style, practicality, and of course, aesthetics. Let’s take a dive into the various options of glass that can add that extra flair and personality to your space. Clear Glass shower doors are the obvious choice, but have you ever considered any of the following:

• PATTERNED GLASS: brings a texture to your space and aids in concealing water marks that naturally occur over time.

• TINTED GLASS, SUCH AS GRAY: Offers a smokey look, giving it a semi-private feel. Used primarily in contemporary and modern bathrooms, this choice will surely be eye catching. Another unique choice is Bronze - providing a coppery look with a semi-private feel. When used with lighter shades from surrounding conditions, the shower door quickly becomes the center of attention. An added perk, stains and fingerprints tend to show much less with tinted glass.

• LOW IRON (ULTRA CLEAR ) GLASS: Virtually eliminates the green hue you’ll see in modern day “clear” glass. This variant is the optimal way to highlight your wall colors or detailed tile work, allowing for unobstructed views and undistorted colors to your design. More light can penetrate through low iron glass shower doors, making your bathroom look brighter and more spacious. This is the ideal option for smaller spaces.

Looking for extra sophistication?

Consider adding grids to your shower to further enhance the look of your elegant space! For more ideas and inspiration, please follow us on Facebook & Instagram!

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WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

My company stands out through its fusion of cutting-edge trends with timeless elegance. I prioritize innovation while maintaining a classic style, ensuring our oferings resonate with clients seeking both contemporary fair and enduring sophistication. Tis balance sets me apart in a competitive market, captivating discerning customers worldwide.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?

After earning my hospitality and business degree from Ole Miss, I pursued interior design shortly after moving to New Orleans. Launching my online store during COVID, I expanded to a Magazine Street storefront in 2023. Now, I craft impeccably designed homes nationwide and style clients in the latest fashion trends.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I’m driven by the desire to evoke a sense of beauty, whether it’s adorning a client in a stunning blouse or transforming a space into a sanctuary with a touch of Piqué. My passion lies in creating moments where individuals feel radiant and spaces become havens of comfort and style.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Te most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the excitement on clients’ faces when my vision, once just a concept in my mind, materializes into a tangible reality. It’s immensely fulflling to bring a client’s dream spaces to life and exceeding their expectations.

ARE

THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

I plan to expand to a second storefront, broadening my reach to potential interior design clients across the US. As I progress, my aim is to emerge as one of the fastestrising designers, not only in New Orleans, but throughout the country, achieving widespread recognition for my curated designs.

Owner Parker Kennedy

WHAT IS SPECIAL OR UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

My daughters and I are now a 100% woman-owned business. We are nationally certifed and are a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Our uniqueness has always been based on our values. We are truthful in our assessments, whether or not it’s good for us personally. Our clients can trust in our honesty, quality, and customer service.

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

It sounds hokey, but when we started the business, our goal was to help people and we still feel that way. It doesn’t seem possible, but we will celebrate our 5-year anniversary on July 1. We also opened our commercial division more than a year ago and are experiencing great success in this area. It allows us the opportunity to give back to our church and community in meaningful ways.

WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Many of our customers have become dear friends. We always say that relationships are what’s most important and roofs are just the lagniappe of getting to meet great people.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PLANS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

We have begun designing our new ofces that we plan to start building later this year and continuing into 2025.

Caprice Cline, Samantha Dupuis, and Alex Carmouche SCAN TO LEARN MORE